Corporate capture We are pushing for more democratic, accountable, transparent, balanced and fair policy-making

Today, the European Ombudsman issued a damning critique of the systemic problems in the Commission's handling of ex-Commission President Barroso's revolving door move to Goldman Sachs International. The Ombudsman's recommendations take up the concerns that the Alliance for Lobbying Transparency and Ethics Regulation in the EU (ALTER-EU) raised in a complaint submitted in March 2017.

European Commission Vice-President Jyrki Katainen confirmed he had a lobby meeting with ex-Commission President Barroso who represented investment bank Goldman Sachs International. ALTER-EU (the Alliance for Lobby Transparency and Ethics Regulation, of which Friends of the Earth Europe is a member) asked the European Commission to re-assess Barroso's job.

Intended to influence the debate on the future direction of Europe, this alternative vision is endorsed by organisations representing a multitude of public interest issues, including labour rights, culture, development, environment, health, women's rights, youth, and anti-discrimination groups.

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Corporate capture undermines democracy. It refers to the process whereby big business influence policy-making processes - through privileged access, non-transparent lobbying, conflicts of interest, the revolving door between policymakers and industry lobby groups. This leads to the weakening, blocking or postponement of vital social and environmental legislation.

Friends of the Earth Europe challenges corporate capture. We are pushing for a more democratic and accountable European Union, and more transparent international policy negotiations. We demand the end of business’ undue influence over decision makers and greater lobbying transparency.